The Stranger in the Mirror...

The reflection in the mirror is not me.

It's an impostor playing my part.

The real me is buried deep inside,

I am trapped by the reflection, staring back

Hidden by layers of flesh and fear concealing my voice.

Each day, this impostor assumes my role, but it is not me.

Sharing my blemishes and imperfections, but it is not me.

I am shouting to be heard, to no avail.

I try to speak but am drowned by the sound of my own voice.

This imposter is robbing me of precious time.

The true me was free once before.

Before I let the shadows of the past stain my soul,

Before accepting criticisms as my truth

Before lashing myself with hurtful thoughts

Before I knew constant dread, I was free.

Before I knew loneliness and constant pain, I was free.

Before I hid my sorrows from the world, I was free.

Before I resigned from fighting, I was free.

I want to be free once more!

I have lived in hiding for too long.

Haunted by the ghost of insecurity and doubt.

Living in the shadows of my own self

I will have the courage to seek my truth.

And I will break free!

I will break the invisible chains holding me back

I will take back my power and my voice!

The real me is here and deserves to be heard!

Deserving of this beautiful yet imperfect life,

Deserving of my own kindness and support

Accepting and embracing the impostor in the mirror,

Because that stranger is me!